Conservation tillage for sustainable soil management

Sustainable soil management through conservation tillage enhances soil fertility, reduces erosion and runoff, improves water retention, and increases organic matter and carbon content. This practice supports climate adaptation by lowering the water footprint and minimizing mineral nitrogen use. Field trials across wheat, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed in Bulgaria tested ploughing, zero tillage, minimum tillage, and strip tillage over three years. Results show improved yield, profitability, and soil health indicators such as microbial activity and active carbon. The study demonstrates that conservation tillage boosts resilience and productivity while protecting soil resources.